Competition will let car stereo owners pump up the volume

In those days, the sound quality flowing from and thumping in your speakers was either a badge of honor or a reason to roll up your windows in shame.

The bells and whistles of aftermarket sound have lost favor in recent years, as most drivers have grown content with the factory systems their vehicles come with. But Smith hopes to renew the passion for cream-of-the-crop car audio by hosting a May 25 competition with national significance.

The contest, sanctioned by the National Sound Pressure League, is expected to draw car audio enthusiasts from around the area to downtown Gastonia.

“This is an actual competition,” said Smith, who owns Distinct Beat Car Audio and Electronics. “It’s the first event of its kind in this area in about 15 years.”

Top car audio vendors will also have products on display.

The National Sound Pressure League is involved with car audio challenges around the country. Its judges use monitors and measuring devices to assess the sound level and overall quality of car audio systems.

Officials say the goal is to encourage the use of design and engineering expertise to maximize superior sound.

A friend of Smith’s runs league competitions across North Carolina.

People can enter their cars and compete in several divisions, tailored to accommodate several “skill” levels.

“You can come in as a novice or a pro,” Smith said. “You can even continue to go on to the next show and accrue points.”

Smith’s shop is beside Bou Cleaners, and he has permission to use the parking lot of nearby First United Methodist Church for the competition. He hopes to attract a number of people to downtown and bring additional activity to the area. But he doesn’t want any residual noise to hurt merchants in the immediate vicinity.

“We were careful to choose a time later in the afternoon when most businesses will be closed,” he said. “The sound will mostly not be that bad because most of the noise is contained in the vehicle, but it’ll still be noisy.”

Miller and Kasper, a downtown premium hot dot restaurant, will provide food during the event. A 50-50 raffle will be held and an after-party will follow at the Southern Crescent Private Lounge on Main Avenue.

Smith said opponents of noise pollution need not worry.

“We’re not trying to bring loud stereos back to the area,” he said. “We’re just trying to bring some focus back to (quality car audio).”

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or twitter.com/GazetteMike.

What: Car audio competition

When: 4 to 8 p.m. May 25 with registration beginning at 3 p.m.

Where: At and around Distinct Beat Car Audio and Electronics at 122 S. Oakland St.

For more: Call 980-285-8888 or 704-813-9700 to learn about attending or competing in the event.